Williamsburg

Williamsburg is an independent city in Virginia. The city was founded in 1632 as "Middle Plantation", a fortified settlement on high ground between the James and York Rivers. The city served as the colonial capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 and was the center of politics in Virginia during the years leading up to the American Revolutionary War; in 1699, it was renamed to "Williamsburg" in honor of King William III of England. In addition, the city is home to the College of William & Mary, established in 1693; it is the second-oldest college in the United States. The restored historic district, "Colonial Williamsburg", drives Williamsburg's tourist-based economy. In 2014, Williamsburg had a population of 14,691 people.